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I am a competitive swimmer and am in the water everyday day at least once for 2.5 hours. I also have a really heavy flow and feel really self conscious whilst swimming and am scared that I may leak even though I use heavy tampons. Whenever I have to get out of the water for dives I'm always scared that some blood will trickle down my legs and I can't help checking because I am so embarrassed! How can I ensure that I don't leak when I can't change my tampons regularly during swimming? Also, I am pretty fit and have heard that if you are under 20% body fat you lose your period, I think I am under this but my period continues to be heavy?

Dr. Kroman says...

Usually, for heavy flow days, it's recommended to change your tampon when its full or after a maximum of 8 hours. Also consider a super tampon for the extra absorbency. Alternatively you may like to consider talking to your GP about hormonal contraception like the pill or progesterone rod - this can lighten the flow and allow you to skip periods altogether. The general consensus for when a period stops is BMI (body mass index) less than 17. This of course varies from person to person. Your period stopping is a sign that 'mother nature' thinks that it would be unsafe for you to carry a baby. If you are fit and healthy then you would still be able to be pregnant even if you have a low body fat percentage, and so your periods would continue.

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